Just as the RV space is always changing and evolving, so too is the gear that we take along with us on our adventures. Recently, there have been a lot of interesting new products to hit the market, making our time in the outdoors safer and more enjoyable. Here are a few RV and camping accessories that you may want to have on your radar.
Photo Credit: Gozney
Gozney Launches Portable Pizza Oven: Who says you can’t have great pizza while camping in a remote location? Certainly not Gozney, who just launched a new ultra-portable pizza oven. Dubbed the Tread, this gadget is lightweight, rugged, and comes with a revolutionary gas burner that delivers perfect, well-baked pizzas wherever you choose to wander. A suite of accessories—including a tote bag, a tripod stand, and a turning peel— add even more functionality and convenience. MSRP is $499. Visit gozney.com for more info. And for insights into how well the pizza oven performs in the wild, check out our thoughts at Wildsam.com.
Photo Credit: Renogy
Renogy Announces Super-Thin Solid-State Lithium Battery for RVs:Renogy is a company that specializes in making products and power systems specifically for off-grid camping. But recently, the company introduced one of its most innovative products yet, a new 12V 104A battery that uses solid-state technology to deliver better performance and energy storage in a safer, longer-lasting package that functions well across a wider range of temperatures. Perhaps even more impressive, the new power cell is incredibly thin—just 2.4″ tall—allowing it to fit into smaller spaces and freeing up room for additional batteries or other components. Watch for this new battery to become available for OEMs and consumers in the near future.
Photo Credit: Stellantis
Jeep Patents a Rooftop Tent:Rooftop tents are extremely popular with active outdoor enthusiasts and the overlanding crowd. Recently, Stellantis, the parent company of Jeep, was issued a patent for a new rooftop tent model that offers some intriguing features that would definitely appeal to Jeep owners. For instance, the tent can be accessed from inside the vehicle via removable roof panels. When not in use, it also collapses down to a thin profile to reduce the impact on gas mileage or off-roading capabilities. It even includes solar panels to provide power to lights, recharge electronic devices, and run other equipment. No word if this will actually go into production, but it is an intriguing design. Click here to find out more.
Yakima Announces 2025 Lineup: Speaking of rooftop tents—and other camping gear—Yakima recently announced its full lineup of new products for 2025. The brand that specializes in helping us manage cargo and outdoor gear is bringing a number of exciting new products to market,including an updated version of its versatile StageTwo platform hitch bike rack, new sizes for its SkyBox cargo holders, and a new SkyPeak HD hardshell rooftop tent. For insights into all of these products, read this post from RV Business. Then head over to the Yakima website to learn more.
Photo Credit: Equator Advanced Appliances
Equator Announces New RV Refrigerator:Equator Advanced Appliances has released a new compact refrigerator designed specifically for the RV market. The RF 1216 Compact RV-Marine-Offgrid Refrigerator-Freezer runs on both 12V and 120V power, offers 1.4 cubic feet of storage space, and can maintain a temperature of 41°F to 59°F. The unit costs $579 and will begin shipping soon.
Australian RV Water Heater Comes Stateside:On-demand water heaters are all the rage in the RV industry, and now manufacturers have a new option to add to their rigs. The Duoetto Gen 3 water heater from Australian company Aus J Hot Water Solutions is now available in the US thanks to a partnership with SDG distributing in Elkhart. The 12V unit is efficient enough to run off battery and solar, has an optional remote control, and is compatible with integrated control systems like Firefly.
Photo Credit: Porsche
Porsche Launches New eBike Models: If you think it’s time you added an ebike to your RV—and you have some extra money to spend—Porsche has just released a brand-new model. The fifth-generation Porsche eBike Sport offers technical mountain biking performance and a smooth ride with a Fox Float 34 Performance Elite suspension fork with 120 millimeters of travel. A carbon frame offers stiff and responsive controls, while a 504Wh Shimano battery and 85Nm motor provide power. The bike doesn’t come cheap, though, starting at $10,920. It is a Porsche, after all.
Fun, cozy, and comfortable rooftop tents occupy a space that falls somewhere between a traditional tent and an RV. These camp shelters are designed to mount to the top of a vehicle, offering an elevated sleeping experience along with enhanced mobility. They’re also a convenient way to set up camp just about anywhere you can park a truck or SUV, which is why they’ve exploded in popularity with car campers, overlanders, boondockers, and active outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Because growing appeal with a wider audience, an increasing number of manufacturers have introduced rooftop tents to the marketplace over the past few years. Those models vary in size and weight but offer similar performance and features. But not all rooftop tents are created equal, as there are definitely some that stand out from the crowd. We’ve sorted through the dozens of options currently available and compiled a list of our favorites. These are the roof-mounted shelters to have on your shortlist when it comes time to purchase one for yourself.
Photo Credit: Yakima
Things to Consider When Choosing a Rooftop Tent
At first glance, most rooftop tents look a lot alike, which may lead you to believe that they don’t vary much in terms of options or design. But that isn’t the case at all, as every manufacturer has put its own spin on these products. With that in mind, here are a few things to consider before buying a model of your own.
Size
Unlike ground tents—which vary in size from single-person options to models with enough space for an extended family—rooftop tents generally only have room for two to three people. That’s because they are built to mount to the top of a vehicle, where there is only so much real estate to go around. Be sure to check out how much square footage the tent you’re considering offers. It is nice to have enough room for at least two people, with some space left over for small gear items.
Weight
The weight of a rooftop tent directly impacts how easy it is to install or remove from a vehicle. Heavier models are more challenging to fit into place, which can make them difficult to take on and off. If you plan to leave the tent in place permanently, the weight won’t matter as much. But a lighter option may make more sense if you want to remove it from your car or truck when not in use. Keep in mind, having a rooftop tent installed will impact your vehicle’s gas mileage, so being able to remove it easily may be a nice option.
Hard Shell or Soft Shell?
Rooftop tents generally come in two varieties—hard shell or soft shell. Both options have positives and negatives, although most people tend to prefer a hard shell model. This type of tent has a rigid top and bottom, which makes it more aerodynamic when collapsed down for travel. Hard shell models also provide better shelter from the elements and usually takes less time to set up or take down. But they also tend to be heavier and cost more, too.
Conversely, soft shell tents are usually lighter and pack down to a smaller size while in transit, yet expand to provide more space at the campsite. They’re usually less expensive, but may not offer as much protection from the weather. Depending on the quality of the materials, they may not be as durable either.
Aerodynamics
As mentioned above, hard shell tents tend to be more aerodynamic than soft shell models. This might not seem all that important, but it can have an impact on gas mileage, especially when driving longer distances. Both types of tents will create more drag and add weight to your vehicle, but the smooth, rigid surface of a hardshell cuts through the air a bit more efficiently.
Vehicle Size
While rooftop tents come in a variety of sizes, the type of vehicle you drive will ultimately have an impact on which model you can go with. If you drive a compact car, you’ll have fewer choices, while a large truck or SUV will afford you a plethora of options. You’ll also need roof rails—or, in the case of a pickup, a frame of some sort—to mount the tent on. Keep that in mind as you shop.
That said, most manufacturers offer their most popular rooftop tents in a variety of sizes, allowing them to fit on a wider variety of vehicles. That means whether you’re driving a Subaru Crosstrek or a Ford Expedition, chances are you’ll have several options to choose from. You can also do a quick online search to see if a specific tent will fit your car, truck, or SUV, as compatibility charts and installation guides are easy to find on the internet.
The Best Rooftop Tents
Now that we know what to look for when shopping for a rooftop tent, these models make our list of the best options currently available.
Photo Credit: Thule
Thule Approach
Available in three sizes, the Thule Approach is a modern and sophisticated rooftop tent designed to fit nearly any vehicle. The small version sleeps two people, the medium can squeeze in three, and the large has room for four, which is a bit of a rarity for these types of shelters. This soft shell model sets up very quickly and is fully ready to camp in less than three minutes, which comes in handy when rolling into a campsite late in the day. We love the large, panoramic windows that are perfect for stargazing and the optional awning and annex create a nice outdoor environment for relaxing outdoors. MSRP: $1999 (small), $2,499,(medium), $2,999 (large)
Roofnest has been making some of the best rooftop tents for years, but the Condor Overland 2 just might be its best model ever. A durable aluminum hard shell and frame help keep weight to a minimum without sacrificing build quality in any way. Built-in accessory channels make it easy to haul your favorite gear, while the interior comes equipped with a 2″ memory foam mattress, skylight, three-way windows, and six built-in gear pockets. The tent even includes an internal duffel bag to store your bedding inside the tent while on the go. MSRP: $3,745
There are a lot of reasons why the Yakima SkyRise HD is an excellent option for anyone shopping for a rooftop tent. For starters, it is roomy enough for up to three people, with large doors on both sides providing excellent access. This soft shell model is also designed for four-season camping, providing good ventilation and cooling during the summer and protection from the wind and cold in the winter. Durable, easy to set up, and comes with a removable foam mattress for added comfort, this is an excellent addition to any adventure vehicle. MSRP: $2,499
This hard shell rooftop tent is designed to fit on nearly any vehicle, including compact cars like a Subaru Crosstrek. That makes it a favorite with the active outdoors crowd looking for an option that sets up and breaks down quickly. Features include a waterproof rain fly, a large overhead mesh window for stargazing, and integrated quilting on the sidewalls that provide extra insulation on cooler nights. The included mattress even features an insulating layer to keep campers warm and dry when temperatures take a plunge. MSRP: $3,699
A favorite amongst overlanders, the Alu-Cab Gen 3-R is easily one of the best rooftop tents on the market for those looking to spend extended amounts of time in the backcountry. Incredibly designed and well built, this model includes numerous nice touches that aren’t all that common on other rooftop shelters, like solar panel compatibility, heater ports, and an insulated hard shell roof and base. Excellent ventilation is also one of the hallmarks of the Gen 3-R, which comes equipped with internal lighting, USB charging ports, three-point access, an awning, and much more. If you’re planning a long-distance overland adventure, this is the model for you. MSRP: $4,399
Thule earns another spot on our list thanks to its lightweight, compact, and affordable Foothill model. Smaller than most other rooftop tents on the market, this shelter is about the size of a traditional two-person ground tent. That makes things a bit cozy inside, but it leaves more space on the roof of your vehicle for hauling bikes, kayaks, and other outdoor gear. A large entry makes getting in and out a breeze, and two overhead windows provide plenty of light to reach the interior. Simple, functional, and well-built, this is a great option for budget shoppers. MSRP: $1699
The Trustmade Hard shell Rooftop Tent has everything you could ask for in a vehicle-mounted shelter, with a few extra features to help it stand out from the crowd. This model comfortably sleeps two adults, comes with a thick and plush mattress, and includes detachable storage pouches for keeping essential items close at hand. Its hard shell casing and stainless steel frame make it extremely durable and add additional protection from wind and rain. Best of all, this tent can pull double-duty as a gear hauler, seamlessly converting into a cargo carrier when needed. All that at a reasonable price. MSRP: $1,749
The Bushveld II from Overland Vehicle is another hard shell model that delivers many features in a compact package. This tent offers plenty of onboard storage, with two interior and six exterior gear pouches, two integrated shoe totes, and a duffel for stashing your bedding. It also has a built-in LED light strip, an anti-condensation insulating layer, and a comfortable memory foam mattress. Optional add-ons include an awning and an annex room. MSRP: $2,199.99
This is a rundown of our favorite rooftop tents from some of the top manufacturers in the outdoor industry. Any one of these models is a perfect shelter for the outdoor enthusiast looking for more comfort than a traditional tent offers. For additional options, check out CampingWorld.com.
For more than two decades, LiquidSpring has been building and refining the best and most advanced suspension systems on the planet. Over that time, the company has upfitted more than 20,000 RVs, expedition trucks, and emergency response vehicles with a smart suspension that monitors speed, steering, braking, and ride height to continually adjust performance more than a thousand times each second. The result is a smoother, safer, more efficient ride both on and off-road.
Recently, in an effort to introduce its technology to a wider audience, the LiquidSpring team embarked on a cross-country journey of epic proportions. Along the way, they visited three of the most important vehicle-centric annual events while enjoying a motorized adventure unlike any other.
Photo Credit: LiquidSpring
On a Cross-Country Mission
LiquidSpring kicked off its long-distance road trip in Tampa, where the team attended the always-bustling Florida RV SuperShow. That event always sets the tone for the year, with all of the top motorhome and towable manufacturers on hand to show off their latest models. That makes it the perfect place to meet RV owners looking to upgrade their rigs or tow vehicles.
After a busy few days in Tampa, the team next headed towards the setting sun, navigating backroads and highways from Florida to Texas before venturing into the desert Southwest. Their second destination was the Quartzsite Sports, Vacation, and RV Show in Arizona for a week of connecting with RVers, overlanders, and off-roaders. The landscapes in and around Quartzsite are perfect for demonstrating the capabilities of the LiquidSpring suspension system, which smoothly transition from tarmac to dirt without missing a beat.
Finally, the journey wrapped up with a visit to King of the Hammers in Johnson Valley, California. This legendary gathering of off-road adventurers will test the mettle of any vehicle and is the perfect proving ground for LiquidSpring. As usual, the state-of-the-art suspension demonstrated its worth and showcased its effectiveness at creating a smoother and more comfortable ride while traversing across the desert.
Photo Credit: LiquidSpring
Road Tripping in a Super C and a Ram Pick-Up
All told, the LiquidSpring team’s country-spanning sojourn covered more than 2,500 miles from Florida to California, traveling on everything from smooth modern highways to rough desert trails. So what vehicles did they choose for this adventure? The squad made their way across country in a powerful and impressive Super-C RV and a top-of-the-line Ram pick-up truck.
The Super-C in question was none other than a Renegade Veracruz, which offers outstanding off-grid capabilities and a plush interior. The RV rides on massive 41″ Goodyear G275 tires and features Elevation Off Grid’s comprehensive upgrade package. Those components are augmented by a LiquidSpring system that provides a 4-inch rear lift and 2-inch front lift which maintains a smooth and elegant ride while taking on difficult terrain.
Photo Credit: LiquidSpring
The Veracruz was flanked by a Black Edition Ram 3500, which already displays robust engineering straight from the factory. LiquidSpring added a 2-inch lift kit with up to 4 inches of automatic ride-height adjustment based on surface conditions. The rig is further equipped with Elevation Off Grid premium features that include BFG KO2 tires, Baja Designs lighting, and a 23Zero rooftop tent, making it an excellent basecamp for nearly any adventure.
Photo Credit: LiquidSpring
The Ultimate Road Test
For LiquidSpring, this coast-to-coast road trip wasn’t just about reaching each of the destinations along the way. It was also a chance to demonstrate how its amazing suspension system merges comfort and capability, proving once and for all that you don’t have to sacrifice one for the other.
Whether you’re looking to upgrade your work vehicle, RV, or adventure truck, the LiquidSpring intelligent suspension delivers a smoother, safer ride. It also lessens wear and tear on the vehicle, extending its lifespan and further protecting your investment. To learn more about the long-term benefits and value of this game-changing system, visit liquidspring.com.
Looking to get rid of that annoying dead pedal and turbo-lag safely? Want to improve your diesel pickup or RV’s throttle response and fuel efficiency? Think you have to spend thousands of dollars and possibly sacrifice your warranty to do it? No, you don’t!
For over 20 years the experts at Diesel Modules have helped thousands of diesel owners improve mileage and add horsepower with their non-invasive, warranty-friendly performance modules. Design for easy customer installation, their performance modules allow diesel owners to safely gain up to 30% more HP and up to 20% improved mileage with their proprietary “Combustion Efficiency Programming”. Best of all, because the performance modules are post-ECM installation, they honor all factory stock settings and leave no footprint in the engine’s computer.
Photo Credit: Diesel Modules
The video above shares more technical details of how the add-on performance module works and the benefits it brings to diesel truck and RV owners. The average install time of the module is 25 minutes for pickups, C class, and Sprinters and about 60 minutes on diesel pushers. The product is made in the USA and includes a three-year warranty as well as a 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re not completely satisfied. Watch the video to the end, and you’ll also get an exclusive discount code to take an additional $50 off the sale price of the module.
For more information on Diesel Modules and the company’s game-changing products, visit dieselmodules.com The site makes it easy to find the right performance module for your vehicle.
Photo Credit: Diesel Modules
Here are just a few happy customers:
J. Rossman –May 2024
I installed this unit on my 21 Entegra motorhome. I was a little skeptical at the time but thought “I’ll Give it a try”. My mileage went from a little under 7 mpg on the highway to a shade over 8 mpg driving at 70 MPH. I recommend this to anyone. You will also feel better acceleration from a stop and it helps to maintain the speed on hills. I’m impressed.
Best money I have ever spent. The module was easy to install and had excellent directions. My motorhome tows great now, especially on hills and EGT is lower. The delivery time was also excellent and I actually got to talk to a real person Thanks.
I installed the module on my motorhome with a Cummins 8.9L engine and saw good results. I can tell I have more power and torque. I have had my unit for almost 1 year and I am very happy with it. I have also just recently installed the same unit on my uncle’s motorhome which has Cat C7 in it. So far it is performing just as well as my unit is performing.
The module is as described. It was an easy installation and is working awesome. New life in the engine, especially when towing. Installed on a Damon Ultrasport 2000. awesome support from the company. Thanks!
You’d be forgiven if “hitch” wasn’t the first thing you thought about when choosing a towable. But, as you barrel down the road with your home-on-wheels, your hitch can, literally, make or break you. Most towables come with factory-installed hitches, but many RVers install aftermarket upgrades. To learn more, we reached out to J.D. from Big Truck Big RV, who runs a YouTube channel devoted to all things recreational and vehicular.
Photo Credit: B&W
Fifth-Wheels
“Ultimately, the hitch decision comes down to what you’re trying to accomplish,” says J.D. (The creator doesn’t use his last name for publication.) “Traditionally, fifth-wheel kingpin hitches are the most common. When you want something more convenient or flexible, the gooseball comes into play.”
“Kingpin” hitches (sometimes called companion hitches) are similar to those on 18-wheelers. A heavy frame—the coupling device—bolts into the truck bed, while the trailer features a large steel pin that slides and locks into place. They leave little room for truck-bed storage. One of the best traditional kingpins is B&W’s Companion 5th Wheel Hitch RVK3500. The CURT Helux Pinbox, using a trademarked coil spring design, significantly reduces the force applied to a vehicle’s frame.
Gooseneck hitches use a ball receiver installed directly into the truck bed, and bolt to the frame below. The trailer then uses an adapter to attach to that ball—creating a lower connection point for heavier towing. Gooseneck hitches can add strain to your trailer’s frame, so research first. The Reese Goose Box is one of the only versions approved by Lippert, the largest manufacturer of fifth-wheel chassis in the country.
Photo Credit: Blue Ox
Travel Trailers
Travel trailers attach to tow vehicles via more traditional bumper hitches. Because they can be heavy, specialized connection points are necessary to help drivers prevent sway. Among the most popular options is the SwayPro from Blue Ox, which comes in various models and evenly distributes weight over the axles of the tow vehicle and trailer. Weigh Safe also offers models with built-in scales to measure the tongue weight on the hitch.
A sampling of gear and accessories from some of Wildsam’s trusted partners.
Photo Credit: Midland
Midland
For adventurers, having a communications set up ensures peace of mind when traveling the open road. While cell phones are essential, they aren’t always reliable. Midland’s MXT275 MicroMobile Two-Way Radio brings powerful GMRS communication, making it the ideal base station to reach others instantly. Paired with the GXT67 Pro GMRS Walkie Talkie, connection in and out of the vehicle has never been easier. The ER50 Portable Emergency Radio brings real-time weather and emergency information to navigate changing conditions along the journey. Together, these communications tools bring safety while pushing the limits throughout outdoor adventure. midlandusa.com
Photo Credit: Nokian Tyres
Nokian Tyres
Nokian Tyres One reinforces every journey with pothole protection thanks to puncture-resistant Aramid fibers. Finnish innovation and American grit combine to form a rugged rubber compound that’s tough on potholes, smooth on the highway and keeps you safe in the moments that matter most. Designed in Finland, the Nokian Tyres One rolls out from Nokian Tyres’ award-winning Tennessee factory. This all-season tire is crafted for the demands of North American roads and ready for whatever lies on the road ahead. nokiantyres.com
California has made headlines in recent weeks thanks to some of its more controversial environmental regulations. For example, at the start of the year, the state’s Advanced Clean Trucks regulations kicked in, placing quotas on the sale of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) for RV and truck chassis manufacturers. That has led to some motorhomes and large trucks becoming unavailable while companies learn to navigate the new rules and meet ZEV standards. But recently, California’s Air Resource Board (CARB) backtracked on one proposed set of regulations by withdrawing a request to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for approval of the Advanced Clean Fleets rules, which looked to ban new diesel trucks and locomotives by 2036. Now, the organization has hit pause on another new set of regulations that banned the sale of gas generators.
Photo Credit: Pulsar
Late last week, CARB announced that it would temporarily lift its ban on the sale of portable gas generators, allowing consumers to purchase those devices through June 30, 2025. That means, over the next six months, generators that meet the EPA’s standards can be sold in the state, without having to meet the stricter California standards, which essentially required zero emissions. Those new regulatory standards went into effect in 2024 and also had an impact on the sale of tools like leaf blowers and lawnmowers.
The temporary pause on the regulations comes as a result of the Los Angeles wildfires, which to date have destroyed more than 16,000 homes and claimed the lives of over 30 people. The widespread damage from those fires has resulted in ongoing power outages, often lasting for days. And while large solar-powered battery banks from brands like EcoFlow, Jackery, and Bluetti can help keep the power on, those systems can be costly and time-consuming to deploy. Gas generators are quick and easy to set up and meet the temporary needs of most people, although they are somewhat noisy and produce emissions.
Photo Credit: Cummins
It is important to note that CARB defines a portable generator as one that produces 19 kilowatts of power or less. That means the units that are back on sale in the state are relatively small and compact, but will still provide power to those who need it. The board also lists a set of guidelines for manufacturers and retailers on its website.
Remember, CARB has not repealed its regulations on gas generators; it has only paused them in this time of emergency. If you find you need one of these devices, now is the time to grab one. Barring any unexpected circumstances, the ban will go back into effect on July 1, with these products once again disappearing from California store shelves.
It has been a lot of fun watching the portable power station market evolve over the past few years. As more and more brands have entered this increasingly competitive space, we’ve seen prices come down and performance go up. So much so, that high-end models can now power your entire house for days at a time, while smaller units have gotten incredibly affordable without sacrificing quality or convenience.
Such is the case with the EBL MP500, a compact charging solution designed to go wherever you want to take it. And while this model won’t power your RV while camping off-grid, it will keep your personal electronic devices charged while on the go. It also offers a few nice features that you wouldn’t expect at its price point, delivering a lot of value to customers.
Photo Credit: Kraig Becker
Capacity and Output
If you know anything about naming conventions across the power station space, it should come as no surprise that the MP500 offers 500W of power output and has a 519.4Wh storage capacity. That makes it ideal for running mobile devices, laptops, and small appliances like a portable blender, camping lights, or an LCD TV. That convenience and flexibility make it ideal for use at home, but also at a campsite, while tailgating, or anywhere else you may need a little extra portable power.
The MP500 is equipped with multiple charging ports, including two 120V AC wall outlets, dual 14V DC barrel ports, a 12V DC car port, three USB-A QC 3.0 ports, and a single USB-C 60W PD port. If you’ve read any of our previous power station reviews, you’ll probably already know that we’d prefer at least one or two more USB-C ports. But EBL makes up for that discrepancy to a degree by including a 10W wireless charging pad on the top of the MP500. This allows the unit to charge or power up to ten devices at the same time, which is an impressive number given its price point.
All of those specs and features mean the MP500 can recharge a smartphone 40+ times or a laptop up to ten times. It also allows it to run an electric fan for as much as 12 hours or a smart TV for seven hours. Considering the unit’s size and weight, those are fairly impressive numbers. EBL says the compact power station can even run a mini-fridge for 11 hours or an electric blanket for three hours.
Photo Credit: Kraig Becker
Three Charging Options
EBL gives owners three options for recharging the MP500 itself. Those include plugging it into a standard 120V home outlet or the 12V DC port in your vehicle. Alternatively, you can also add a solar panel to the mix, which can replenish the power station’s battery while traveling off-grid, greatly extending its usefulness in the process.
While using solar panels, the MP500 can be recharged in a respectable 7-9 hours depending on the conditions. Using a 12V DC port requires about 7-8 hours, which is fairly typical for the size and capacity of this model. But we were somewhat underwhelmed by the charging speeds while using the included AC adapter plugged into a 120V wall outlet. That required more than six hours to fully replenish the battery, which is considerably slower than some of the competition.
And while we’re on the subject of batteries, EBL uses a lithium-ion power cell in this device, while most competitors have moved on to lithium-iron phosphate or LiFePO4. Lithium-ion tends to be slightly lighter and has more energy density, but it isn’t as safe nor does it have as long of a lifespan as LiFePO4. For most users, this difference isn’t likely to be noticeable, but it is still worth pointing out.
Photo Credit: Kraig Becker
Durable, Versatile, and Portable
When designing the MP500 power station, EBL got a lot right. For instance, the unit is surprisingly small, measuring just 11.5 x 7.95 x 7.64 inches. It also weighs a shade under 15 pounds, although it actually feels lighter in hand. That’s probably due—in part—to the built-in, folding handle, which makes the device easy to carry around.
The MP500’s casing is also suitably durable, making it ideal for use outdoors. We especially liked the rubberized bumpers located on its corners, which provide good protection from accidental drops and getting jostled about in an RV storage compartment. That said, at first glance, this power station does resemble the models produced by another popular brand. I also couldn’t find an IPX dust or waterproofing rating either, which means I wouldn’t want to accidentally leave it out in the rain.
Other features of note include a built-in LED light that makes a good source of illumination at the campsite. As with most other power stations, the MP500 comes with a built-in LCD display for monitoring current battery levels and power in and out. That screen isn’t as sophisticated or flashy as those found on some of the competition, but it is easy to read and more than gets the job done.
Photo Credit: EBL
Closing Thoughts
Overall, we’re quite impressed with the EBL MP500 power station. Sure, we would have liked to have seen faster charging via the AC adapter, and a LiFePO4 battery would add extra longevity to the device. But this model is a testament to how far the industry has come in recent years, delivering excellent performance and solid features at an affordable price.
So what exactly is that price? The MP500 sells for just $379 (on sale for $289 as of press time), making it a portable power solution that is within reach for most customers. Whether that means you want emergency back-up power at home, on-the-go power for camping or tailgating, or additional charging capabilities in your RV, this small and lightweight model will fit your needs perfectly without breaking the bank.
In the RV world, power is not absolute. If you drive a Class C or Class A, your ride will likely be equipped with an onboard generator. Same goes for most toy haulers. But many rigs—including fifth-wheels and small travel trailers—do not come standard with built-in generators, which means travelers are often hunting for juice to run air conditioning, televisions and other large electronics.
If you’re staying at an RV park, you’ll likely be able to plug into shore power. But further out?
Photo Credit: Honda
“Generators really come into play for people who boondock or do wilderness camping,” says Chris Kapperman, an RV expert and Youtuber who reviews products and shows RVers how to implement important modifications. For those seeking a boost, here are a few
options—and the type of traveler they best serve.
Gas-powered inverter generators, like the Honda EU22OOi, are among the most ubiquitous power solutions on the market. While they range in size, many options are lightweight and can power electronics for up to six hours on one tank of gas. While there are many diesel options on the market, too, they’re often larger and less portable than gas-powered units. Best for: Campers and tailgaters who don’t mind a little noise.
Photo Credit: Pulsar
Dual fuel generators, which run on gasoline or liquid propane, are increasingly popular. By using LP on generators like the Pulsar PG2200BIS, campers can employ a more efficient and not-too-loud power source. Liquid propane produces less power than gas, but is typically still enough to power an RV’s electronics. Best for: Less noise and more convenience.
While most RVers will find that 2,000 watts is all they need to run A/C, some may seek a power source that produces 3,000-5,000 watts to run appliances continually while replenishing their house batteries. Options abound, but are neither cheap nor lightweight. On the other hand, many car campers might get by with smaller solar power stations. “There are different levels,” Kapperman says. “It really depends on your RV lifestyle.”
The votes are in, and the results have been tabulated. Once again, the readers of Wildsam (and RV.com) have spoken. Over the past few months, you’ve shared your picks for the best RV brands, accessory manufacturers, campgrounds, national parks, and a variety of other categories. Who took home the prestigious gold, silver, and bronze awards? Find out below.
Gold: Relaxing
Silver: Sightseeing
Bronze: Hiking
Congratulations to all the winners and thanks to our readers who shared their thoughts and opinions.
The post The 2024 Wildsam Readers’ Choice Award Winners appeared first on RV.com.
